John Robert Gaumer

April 14, 1951 - December 03, 2017                               

John Robert Gaumer of Surfside Beach passed away at home with family on December 3rd.  John was born and raised in Southern California, the son of Mary and Robert Gaumer.  After earning his Master’s Degree in Business, he moved to Spokane, Washington, where he became the Business Manager for the Spokane County Library District, a natural fit for someone who worked in libraries in high school. There he met his wife Sue Ellen, and raised their son, Quinn .  Although a whiz with numbers, he loved libraries, (and a librarian!) and decided to earn his Master’s Degree in Library Science.  After receiving his degree from the University of Arizona, the family moved to Horry County in 1995, where John became the Director of the Horry County Memorial Library.  For thirteen years John worked tirelessly to improve funding for the libraries, and was instrumental in securing financing for many new library buildings, including Surfside Beach, Bucksport, Socastee, Green Sea/Floyds, Conway and North Myrtle Beach, with plans for a new Carolina Forest Library, in addition to improvements to the other libraries.  He diligently planned for each library to be functional, accessible, efficient and an interactive part of the community.  It was important to him that the Children’s area of each library have an attractive, and whimsical design, inviting children to read, learn, play and dream.  He was also a strong advocate of library service to teens, and a Teen section was included in every addition. During his tenure, the budget was increased to significantly improve the collections, technology, and the staffing.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Sue Ellen Wilson, his adored son wQuinn Gaumer and daughter in law Cece Zhang of Durham, sisters Kay Prater and Jean Andrews, and brother Rex Gaumer, in addition to many nieces and nephews with whom he loved to play.

John was an avid videographer, chronicling the lives of his family and friends and creating memories for all.  

John is best remembered by family, friends and colleagues for his sharp intellect, quick, dry wit, kindness, a smile that captured joy and his impressive collection of Hawaiian shirts.

Memorials can be made in his honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.